Ryan Gravenberch's position in the Liverpool midfield has come under fresh scrutiny after he was left unused during the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield. The midfielder's absence was a notable talking point during the latest episode of Media Masters for Anfield Index, with Dave Davis and David Lynch discussing his recent struggles and what the decision could mean for his role under the manager.
Gravenberch had endured a difficult outing against Chelsea before being left out of the starting line-up against Arsenal. However, it was what happened during the second half that raised further questions. Liverpool made changes as they looked for a way back into the game, but Gravenberch remained on the bench.
Davis highlighted that Gravenberch was overlooked even as Liverpool reshaped their midfield and attacking positions. Trey Nyoni came on, while Lewis Koumas was moved into a more advanced role behind Alexander Isak.
That left Gravenberch watching on as Liverpool searched for an equaliser. For Davis, the selection decisions were difficult to ignore, particularly given the midfielder's recent form.
Lynch agreed that the situation was concerning, explaining that Gravenberch finds himself in a difficult position at present.
He said: "Even picking the team without Gravenberch in it is a big statement. And then not bringing him on at all is another one."
The comments underline how significant the Arsenal omission could be. Gravenberch was not simply missing from the starting XI; he was also not considered when the manager made changes during a game Liverpool were trying to rescue.
Despite the concerns, Lynch was careful not to suggest that Gravenberch's Liverpool career is finished. He stressed that the midfielder still has time to change the situation and that one difficult spell should not lead to definitive conclusions.
Lynch believes the manager will want to keep Gravenberch involved and find a way for him to contribute over the course of the season. However, he acknowledged that the current picture is not encouraging.
He added: "The only thing I think you can say kind of conclusively is that Ryan Gravenberch's not in good form. He's not in a good moment."
That assessment reflects the central issue. Gravenberch has struggled to convince recently, and the decision not to use him against Arsenal suggests that he is currently behind other options in the manager's thinking.
Lynch also raised the possibility that the situation could eventually lead to a bigger decision if things do not improve. He said it would not be the biggest shock if the manager reached the end of the season and decided Gravenberch was not the right fit, potentially opening the door to a departure.
However, he was clear that such an outcome remains a long way off.
Photo: IMAGO
There is a significant difference between acknowledging Gravenberch's current difficulties and deciding that he has no future at Liverpool. Lynch's view was that the evidence at this stage points towards a player struggling for form and favour, rather than a career at Anfield that has already reached its conclusion.
Liverpool will need midfield options throughout a demanding campaign, and Gravenberch could still have opportunities to get himself back into contention. His response when those chances arrive will be important.
The Arsenal defeat has nevertheless brought his situation into sharper focus. Being left out of the starting team is one thing, but failing to feature when changes are made is another indication that he has work to do.
As Davis and Lynch discussed on Media Masters for Anfield Index, Gravenberch's place in the Liverpool midfield is now a story worth following. The next step is for the midfielder to rediscover his form and give the manager a reason to bring him back into the team.
